§ Lord Juddasked Her Majesty's Government:
What was the outcome of the discussions they helped to arrange between the UK National Hardwood Association of the Timber Trade Federation and interested bodies in Brazil with the purpose of ensuring that all mahogany imported into the United Kingdom from Brazil comes from legal sources, and what follow up is being taken.
§ Baroness Chalker of WallaseyIt was agreed in principle between AIMEX, the association of Brazilian timber exporters; FUNAI, the Brazilian government department for Indian rights; IBAMA, the Brazilian government department for forestry and the environment, and the representative of the UK Timber Trade Federation that there should be agreed guidelines covering trade in mahogany that would prevent the export of mahogany from protected areas where such exports are prohibited under Brazilian law. Contacts between the National Hardwood Association and appropriate authorities in Brazil are continuing to ensure that suitable guarantees can be given to this effect.